Late Lanka Perera was one of the stylish opening batsmen produced by Isipathana College. He scored heavily in the 1972-1975 period. He was a member of Isipathana College cricket team (first Big Match win 1973). That team was led by shrewd Captain K.H. Nanadasena. Lanka had six victims as wicket-keeper in the 1974 Big Match and same year he led the side.
Due to his marvelous form he was selected to play under 19 team for the “Ali Bhutto Trophy” against Pakistan under 19 side under the captaincy of star all rounder late Anura Ranasinghe. Former Sri Lanka players Sidath Wettimuny, Ranjan Madugalle were some players with him. After a very successful school cricket season he joined Negombo CC and Colts (B) teams for four years playing in the Raheman Hathy Trophy. They were the champions that year among his team mates were Roy Dias, Kumar Ramanathan, Ranjan de Silva, Beverly Paul, Gamini Goonasena, Bernard Rulach, Gerald Solomons, Rohan Perera and Ranmore Martinesz.
Later he joined Saracens SC and led the team in the Division One Tournament and was unfortunate not to gain a place in the Sri Lanka Cricket Team.
For his valuable contribution for Isipathana College Lanka Perera Memorial Trophy donated by his family is being awarded for the Best Batsman in the Thurstan-Isipathana twenty20 match. Saliya Indrajith
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